Owners have filed 105 complaints
about the 2006 Ford 500 with NHTSA between 2012 and 2018.
The largest single group is the acceleration & cruise control.
Across this model's run it ranks 2 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 52
Against the median year of the Ford 500. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 74
14.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 2
1% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
25,000 – 49,999 miles
33.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1716.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
2726.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
3635.6%
150,000+ miles
1817.8%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2012peak 8Jun 2018
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 144,000 milesRaleigh, NCFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE STARTING MY CAR ( PARKED ) WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW DOWN SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW WINDOW. I SAW A FLAME ( FIRE ) APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE THE FLAME WENT OUT. AFTER THE FIRE NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON MANUALLY OR COME ON AS USUAL WHEN THE KEY IS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11072122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesRaleigh, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE STARTING MY CAR ( PARKED ) WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW DOWN SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW WINDOW. I SAW A FLAME ( FIRE ) APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE THE FLAME WENT OUT. AFTER THE FIRE NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON MANUALLY OR COME ON AS USUAL WHEN THE KEY IS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11072122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRosemount, MNCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH WITH A VEHICLE WHICH MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME. SPEED WAS 35-40MPH. I SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUM AS A RESULT WHEN MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. CRASH HAPPENED IN EAGAN, MN. ON CLIFF ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11032022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRosemount, MNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH WITH A VEHICLE WHICH MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME. SPEED WAS 35-40MPH. I SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUM AS A RESULT WHEN MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. CRASH HAPPENED IN EAGAN, MN. ON CLIFF ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11032022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLouisiana, MOFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE MANY ISSUES MOTOR JUST BLEW UP TODAY SITTING IN DRIVE WAY I JUST BOUGHT IT AND STARTED IT AND IT BLEW UP POWER STEERING WIRING CADILLAC CONVERTERS IT HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #10991730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLouisiana, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE MANY ISSUES MOTOR JUST BLEW UP TODAY SITTING IN DRIVE WAY I JUST BOUGHT IT AND STARTED IT AND IT BLEW UP POWER STEERING WIRING CADILLAC CONVERTERS IT HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #10991730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 100,000 milesLincoln, NE
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
IT HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, MOMENTARY ENGINE IDLE, RPM SURGE WHEN STOPPED OR DURING LOW SPEED DRIVING, SUCH AS TURNING INTO A PARKING OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. PULLING IN OR BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE. STOPING AT A STOP LIGHT, LUNGES FORWARD: CAME CLOSE TO CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE BY RUNNING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT OR AT STOP LIGHT. SAFETY ISSUE, WHAT IF THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD AT A STOP LIGHT INTO INCOMING TRAFFIC, CAUSING BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I PURCHASED THIS CAUSE AFTER THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION WAS ISSUED. THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT FIX THIS, I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT, NOW I WILL HAVE TO FIGHT TO GET FORD TO COVER A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE, THAT PUTS MY CHILDREN AT RISK. .
NHTSA complaint #11100342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLincoln, NE
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
IT HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, MOMENTARY ENGINE IDLE, RPM SURGE WHEN STOPPED OR DURING LOW SPEED DRIVING, SUCH AS TURNING INTO A PARKING OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. PULLING IN OR BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE. STOPING AT A STOP LIGHT, LUNGES FORWARD: CAME CLOSE TO CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE BY RUNNING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT OR AT STOP LIGHT. SAFETY ISSUE, WHAT IF THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD AT A STOP LIGHT INTO INCOMING TRAFFIC, CAUSING BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I PURCHASED THIS CAUSE AFTER THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION WAS ISSUED. THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT FIX THIS, I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT, NOW I WILL HAVE TO FIGHT TO GET FORD TO COVER A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE, THAT PUTS MY CHILDREN AT RISK. .
NHTSA complaint #11100342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesLincoln, NE
ENGINE
IT HAS CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON, MOMENTARY ENGINE IDLE, RPM SURGE WHEN STOPPED OR DURING LOW SPEED DRIVING, SUCH AS TURNING INTO A PARKING OR BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPOT. PULLING IN OR BACKING OUT OF THE GARAGE. STOPING AT A STOP LIGHT, LUNGES FORWARD: CAME CLOSE TO CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE BY RUNNING INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN PARKING LOT OR AT STOP LIGHT. SAFETY ISSUE, WHAT IF THE CAR LUNGES FORWARD AT A STOP LIGHT INTO INCOMING TRAFFIC, CAUSING BODILY INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE. FORD SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THIS SAFETY ISSUE. I PURCHASED THIS CAUSE AFTER THE 10 YEAR WARRANTY EXTENSION WAS ISSUED. THE PREVIOUS OWNER DID NOT FIX THIS, I JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT IT, NOW I WILL HAVE TO FIGHT TO GET FORD TO COVER A KNOWN SAFETY ISSUE, THAT PUTS MY CHILDREN AT RISK. .
NHTSA complaint #11100342 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,897 milesJudsonua, AR
ENGINE
HI. THE RECALL FORD HAD ON THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUES BACK IN 2013 WHEN I GOT MINE FIXED. NOW 40 THOUSANDS MILES LATER THE CAR ALMOST LUNGE INTO TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT 2 TIMES. WELL THE CAR IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE I GOT THE THROTTLE BODY FIXED. I CALLED FORD IN CABOT AND THEY WANTED OVER 200.00 HUNDRED DOLLARS TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC AND TO CLEAN THE THROTTLE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A FIXED ISSUE AND IT IS NOT. FORD IN CABOT TOLD ME IT WILL HAVE TO BE CLEAN OR THE UNIT HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IS AROUND 500 DOLLARS. WHAT A SCAM THEY ARE PULLING. THIS NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH ASAP. I HAVE TO SPEND 100 DOLLARS TO HAVE IT CLEANED SCAM. WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IT HAS LOSS OF POWER AND RUNS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11097155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 149,897 milesJudsonua, AR
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
HI. THE RECALL FORD HAD ON THE THROTTLE BODY ISSUES BACK IN 2013 WHEN I GOT MINE FIXED. NOW 40 THOUSANDS MILES LATER THE CAR ALMOST LUNGE INTO TRAFFIC AT A RED LIGHT 2 TIMES. WELL THE CAR IS HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM AS BEFORE I GOT THE THROTTLE BODY FIXED. I CALLED FORD IN CABOT AND THEY WANTED OVER 200.00 HUNDRED DOLLARS TO RUN A DIAGNOSTIC AND TO CLEAN THE THROTTLE. I THOUGHT THIS WAS A FIXED ISSUE AND IT IS NOT. FORD IN CABOT TOLD ME IT WILL HAVE TO BE CLEAN OR THE UNIT HAS TO BE REPLACED AND THAT IS AROUND 500 DOLLARS. WHAT A SCAM THEY ARE PULLING. THIS NEEDS TO BE DEALT WITH ASAP. I HAVE TO SPEND 100 DOLLARS TO HAVE IT CLEANED SCAM. WHILE THE CAR IS IN MOTION. IT HAS LOSS OF POWER AND RUNS BAD.
NHTSA complaint #11097155 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesRaleigh, NCFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHILE STARTING MY CAR ( PARKED ) WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW DOWN SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW WINDOW. I SAW A FLAME ( FIRE ) APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE THE FLAME WENT OUT. AFTER THE FIRE NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON MANUALLY OR COME ON AS USUAL WHEN THE KEY IS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11072122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 144,000 milesRaleigh, NCFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
WHILE STARTING MY CAR ( PARKED ) WITH THE FRONT PASSENGER WINDOW DOWN SMOKE BEGAN TO APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW WINDOW. I SAW A FLAME ( FIRE ) APPEAR FROM BEHIND THE PASSENGER REAR VIEW MIRROR. WHEN I TURNED OFF THE VEHICLE THE FLAME WENT OUT. AFTER THE FIRE NONE OF THE WINDOWS WILL WORK AND THE INTERIOR LIGHTS WILL NOT COME ON MANUALLY OR COME ON AS USUAL WHEN THE KEY IS TAKEN OUT OF THE IGNITION.
NHTSA complaint #11072122 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesLong Valley, NJ
POWER TRAIN
TRANSMISSION IS BROKEN AND NEED REPLACEMENT. SAID TO BE NON-REPAIRABLE AS FORD DISCONTINUED MAKING THE TRANSMISSION 3 YEARS AFTER INTRODUCTION CAR HAS ONLY 70,000 MILES ON IT. NOW I HAVE LARGE FLOWER PLANTER AS I CAN'T DRIVE IT! FORD, BUT FOR THIS ISSUE I HAD A PERFECTLY USABLE/RELIABLE CAR! NOW IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD! WHAT ARE YOU GOING TO DO ABOUT IT! HAPPENS IN MOTION
NHTSA complaint #11044684 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRosemount, MNCrash1 injured
SEAT BELTS
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH WITH A VEHICLE WHICH MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME. SPEED WAS 35-40MPH. I SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUM AS A RESULT WHEN MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. CRASH HAPPENED IN EAGAN, MN. ON CLIFF ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11032022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesRosemount, MNCrash1 injured
AIR BAGS
AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY IN A CRASH WITH A VEHICLE WHICH MADE A LEFT TURN IN FRONT OF ME. SPEED WAS 35-40MPH. I SUFFERED FRACTURED STERNUM AS A RESULT WHEN MY CHEST HIT THE STEERING WHEEL. CRASH HAPPENED IN EAGAN, MN. ON CLIFF ROAD
NHTSA complaint #11032022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesEL Paso, TX
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL- FOR OVER A YEAR I HAVE BEEN TRYING TO GET MY TRUCK AIR BAGS FIXED AND THEY HAD GIVEN ME THE RUN AROUND [XXX]AVILA SERVICE ADVISOR FROM CASA FORD EL PASO, TX 915-775-8295, HAS IGNORED MY REQUESTS TO PLEASE ASSIST ME . HE STATED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE THEM IN STOCK, BUT FOR OVER A YEAR? I AM 80 YRS. OLD AND FEEL THAT'S WHY THEY KEEP IGNORING ME. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE HELP ME? SINCERELY,[XXX]( SPANISH SPEAKING ONLY, MY DAUGHTER HELPED ME WITH THIS LETTER.) WENT OVER SPEED BUMP AND MY AIR BAGS OPENED! CALL MY DAUGHTER [XXX] IF NEEDED [XXX], LEAVE HER A MESSAGE IF NO ANSWER. THANK YOU. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA complaint #11024511 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,100 milesJaffrey, NH
ENGINE
VEHICLE LURCHES FORWARDS WHEN ENGINE IS STARTED AND PUT INTO GEAR. COULD CASE DAMAGE TO OTHER OBJECTS OR PEOPLE.
NHTSA complaint #11002101 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLouisiana, MOFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THERE MANY ISSUES MOTOR JUST BLEW UP TODAY SITTING IN DRIVE WAY I JUST BOUGHT IT AND STARTED IT AND IT BLEW UP POWER STEERING WIRING CADILLAC CONVERTERS IT HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #10991730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLouisiana, MOFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
THERE MANY ISSUES MOTOR JUST BLEW UP TODAY SITTING IN DRIVE WAY I JUST BOUGHT IT AND STARTED IT AND IT BLEW UP POWER STEERING WIRING CADILLAC CONVERTERS IT HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #10991730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLouisiana, MOFire
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THERE MANY ISSUES MOTOR JUST BLEW UP TODAY SITTING IN DRIVE WAY I JUST BOUGHT IT AND STARTED IT AND IT BLEW UP POWER STEERING WIRING CADILLAC CONVERTERS IT HAS A LOT OF PROBLEMS
NHTSA complaint #10991730 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 98,000 milesCircleville, OH
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ALTERNATOR BURNED OUT WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT HAD THE ALTERNATOR REPLACED FIVE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 98,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
NHTSA complaint #10968208 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesCookeville, TN
POWER TRAIN
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING EITHER A VALVE BODY OR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 01/05/17
NHTSA complaint #10926444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 128,000 milesCookeville, TN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED WITHOUT WARNING. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS DIAGNOSED AS NEEDING EITHER A VALVE BODY OR TRANSMISSION REPLACEMENT. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 128,000. UPDATED 01/05/17
NHTSA complaint #10926444 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 142,000 milesValencia, CA
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THE ENGINE SURGES AND THE CAR LURCHES PERIODICALLY - NORMALLY AFTER THE ENGINE WARMS UP. IT SURGES WHEN YOU TAKE THE CAR OUT OF PARK AND PLACE THE SELECTOR IN DRIVE OR REVERSE. IT ALSO SURGES AND LURCHES WHEN SITTING AT A LIGHT AND REMOVING PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. THE POTENTIAL FOR PROPERTY AND PERSONAL DAMAGE ARE SUBSTANTIAL. FORD SHOULD BE COMPELLED TO ISSUE A RECALL. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS DEFECT ON OTHER WEBSITES AND NOTHING SEEMS TO BE MOVING IN THE DIRECTION OF RESOLUTION. PLEASE HELP.
NHTSA complaint #10915792 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE MAINTENANCE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #10905004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 102,000 milesIndianapolis, IN
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 FORD 500. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS SHIFTED INTO REVERSE, IT EXPERIENCED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION AND A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. THE MAINTENANCE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 102,000.
NHTSA complaint #10905004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,542 milesNorth Charleston, SC
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE NOW. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 106,982 MILES. THIRD THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY TEENAGER TO DRIVE AS THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THE ACCELERATION WON'T WORK AND SHE CAN BE ON A HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC. ALSO, THE BACK DOORS ARE CONSTANTLY FILLING WITH WATER AFTER A RAIN STORM AND NEED TO BE DRAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10863722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 96,542 milesNorth Charleston, SC
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THROTTLE BODY HAS BEEN REPLACED TWICE NOW. VEHICLE CURRENTLY HAS 106,982 MILES. THIRD THROTTLE BODY NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. VERY DANGEROUS FOR MY TEENAGER TO DRIVE AS THERE IS NO WARNING WHEN THE ACCELERATION WON'T WORK AND SHE CAN BE ON A HIGHWAY IN TRAFFIC. ALSO, THE BACK DOORS ARE CONSTANTLY FILLING WITH WATER AFTER A RAIN STORM AND NEED TO BE DRAINED.
NHTSA complaint #10863722 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesRome, GA
POWER TRAIN
VEHICLE HAS ROUGH OR HARD SHIFT, JERKS, EVERY SO OFTEN AFTER DRIVING FOR SO LONG.
NHTSA complaint #10860231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 111,000 milesRome, GA
ENGINE
VEHICLE HAS ROUGH OR HARD SHIFT, JERKS, EVERY SO OFTEN AFTER DRIVING FOR SO LONG.
NHTSA complaint #10860231 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.